Origins and History of the Fez

Although named after a city in Morocco, where they were mass produced during the Christian era, the Fez hat predates Christianity. The fez, or tarboosh, is a felt headdress first introduced into Europe and the West by the Cretans and has been worn by various Abrahamic priesthoods for millennia, as well as newly emancipated slaves since the time of Ancient Rome. Also called the The red liberty cap, it was was an integral part of American culture and symbology in the 19th century and is seen in many places in the United States Capitol.